Public Side Event “Technology for Mine Action as a Gateway for Economic Recovery”

The event aims to deepen understanding of the use of cutting-edge technologies and international cooperation in the field of mine action via discussions among a wide range of participants.

October 17, 2025

Date & Time: Thursday, 23 October 2025, 18:30-20:00 JST (12:30-14:00 Ukraine time)

Venue: Hybrid (Onsite: Elizabeth Rose International Conference Hall, United Nations University Building / Online: Zoom Webinar)

On-site registration

Online registration

This side event will be held on the occasion of the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC) on 22-23 October, which is being hosted in Tokyo by the Government of Japan. Taking into account the perspective of the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Nexus, the event aims to frame mine action not only as clearance operations but also as a driver of socio-economic recovery, exploring how technological innovation can contribute to sustainable recovery and peace. Reclaiming land extensively contaminated by mines as a result of the war goes beyond removal efforts – it is the starting point of the restoration of livelihoods, the reopening of schools, the revitalization of communities, and of broader social inclusion. Achieving this requires the organic linkage of technology, institutions, human resources, and international cooperation.

This side event is co-organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It is held in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine (MoE), the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU), and relevant institutions and experts from countries engaged in mine action and ERW response.

The event is open to a wide range of participants, including practitioners, academics and researchers, policymakers, representatives of the private sector and NGOs, local governments, students, and citizens with an interest in mine action, humanitarian assistance, recovery support, development cooperation, peacebuilding, South–South cooperation, disaster recovery, and technological innovation. We warmly welcome the participation of public and private partners and international stakeholders involved in support for Ukraine, as well as diverse actors committed to jointly envisioning and co-creating a sustainable peace and a safe future.

Background:

Today, Ukraine is among the countries most severely impacted by landmines worldwide. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, anti-personnel mines, unexploded ordnance, and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) have been spread across vast areas of Ukraine, and continue to endanger civilian lives as the war persists. It is estimated that nearly one-third of the country’s territory is affected, creating a grave and long-term obstacle to recovery and peacebuilding. In such a complex and protracted crisis, mine action is not only critical for protecting lives, but also serves as an entry point for building inclusive national resilience that encompasses community safety, reconstruction, livelihood recovery, and economic revitalization.

Innovation and the effective application of technology play a pivotal role in advancing mine action. Tools such as digital mapping, mine information management systems, drones for clearance operations, and assistive devices for victim support have the potential to make mine action faster, safer, and more inclusive.

At the same time, significant challenges remain in introducing these technologies, including underdeveloped institutional frameworks, shortages of trained personnel, and difficulties in adapting technologies to local contexts. These challenges are not unique to Ukraine but are shared across other conflict-affected countries undertaking mine and ERW clearance. Moreover, for newly developed technologies and equipment to be truly effective, field application is essential, which underscores the importance of international cooperation to share knowledge and experience.

This public side event brings together voices from the Government of Ukraine, the Government of Japan, JICA, international organizations, and partner countries affected by mines and ERW. It aims to discuss how technological innovation and proper field application can enhance the efficiency and safety of mine action, and how they can become a driving force for sustainable recovery and peace, while exploring directions for future cooperation.

Details:

Format: Hybrid (In-person and online)

Venue: Elizabeth Rose International Conference Hall(5F), United Nations University Building /ZOOM WEBINAR

Languages： Japanese・English（Simultaneous interpretation）

Organizers： UNDP, JICA

Programme

18:30　Opening

18:35-18:45 Opening Remarks